The Trustees of the Richard Pate School are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Sam Morgan, currently Head of the Pre-Preparatory at Clifton College, as Robert MacDonald’s successor from September 2025.
The search for a new Head started in earnest six months ago and we saw an exceptional calibre of candidates. The Trustees conducted a rigorous selection process and ultimately, Mr Morgan proved to be the strongest candidate. He is our unanimous choice. During the remainder of this academic year, Mr Morgan will work closely with current head Mr Robert MacDonald to ensure a seamless transition.
Mr Morgan is a highly respected leader at Clifton College where he has been Head of the Pre-Prep for the last five years and has over 13 years’ experience of working in education. In his time at Clifton College, he has also worked as a Year 5 class teacher, Housemaster, sports coach, KS2 science teacher and boarding house tutor. His passion for working with children, for teaching and learning, and for sport, music and languages has seen him build strong relationships with staff, pupils and families across their community.
Prior to working at Clifton College, Mr Morgan taught and trained in state sector primary schools in south London, Oxford and Bristol. His experience of teaching across different schools, and in each phase of the primary age range, gives him a wonderful understanding of the journey our pupils and families go through.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Morgan said:
I feel hugely honoured to have been appointed as Richard Pate’s next Headmaster. The warmth of the welcome I received from pupils and staff during the interview process couldn’t have demonstrated any more clearly what a uniquely special place RPS is to be a part of. It is a community with a very clear sense of purpose, and a culture of togetherness and ambition among all the pupils, staff and trustees I met. My appointment provides such exciting opportunities for me and my family; I feel very proud indeed to be joining you and building on the success and reputation of Robert MacDonald and the school to date.
Current Headmaster Robert MacDonald said:
I am absolutely delighted that our Trustees have selected Mr Sam Morgan as my successor. The Richard Pate School is a unique school and will always hold a special place in my heart. During my conversations with Sam, it is clear to me that he has a genuine passion for education and I have no doubt that he will develop and grow RPS through its next chapter. I am genuinely excited at what he brings to our school and while there is still a great deal to enjoy through the rest of this academic year I also know I can retire safe in the knowledge that the school will go from strength to strength. I look forward to welcoming Sam and his family to Cheltenham and the Richard Pate community.
Mr Morgan is married to Sarah and they have two young sons; Max, aged 6, and Theo, aged 3.
Guy Bradshaw, Chair of The Richard Pate School Foundation